Origin
White Center, WA
Morning in White Center on Saturday
Local time
7:48 AM
PDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from White Center, WA to Yakima, WA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 53m
Distance
148.3 mi
239 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$31
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 43m
★
6 AM
2h 54m
8 AM
3h 16m
10 AM
3h 2m
12 PM
2h 59m
3 PM
3h 3m
5 PM
3h 15m
8 PM
2h 47m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
White Center, WA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
White Center, WA to Yakima, WA is 148.3 miles and takes about 2h 53m via Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel and US 97, with a fuel budget near $31 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip covers ground within Washington state, moving from the Pacific Coast region inland. Expect a drive characterized by frequent turns, rather than long stretches of open highway. With only one recommended stop and a relatively short duration, this route is well-suited for a single-day journey. Consider this drive if you prefer a more dynamic route with varied road conditions over a straightforward interstate cruise.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
74.2 miles from White Center, WA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 29m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 53m. Total distance: 148.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile.
Drive Character
This route offers a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, meaning you'll experience a variety of road types rather than a monotonous interstate cruise. With only 24% of the drive on highways, you'll spend most of your time on local roads, navigating through changing landscapes. The longest uninterrupted stretch is 107 miles on Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel, which suggests a significant portion of the journey will be on this specific roadway. Be prepared for a more engaging driving experience with frequent adjustments to speed and direction as you make your way from the Pacific Coast region towards Yakima.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel is the longest continuous segment at about 107 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 148.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 3.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
2.6 mi into trip
|
~5m in
Take the exit toward Michigan Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Michigan Street
7
3.3 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Turn left toward I 5, I 90
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 5, I 90
8
6.4 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Take the exit toward I 90 East, I 5 North: Dearborn Street, James Street, Madison Street, Spokane
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 164A
Toward I 90 East, I 5 North: Dearborn Street, J...
7
6.6 mi into trip
|
~13m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 90 East: Spokane
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 90 East: Spokane
7
115 mi into trip
|
~2h 15m in
|
US 97
Take the exit onto US 97 toward I 82 East, US 97 South: Yakima
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 82 East, US 97 South: Yakima
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel | 107 mi | 1h 59m |
| US 97 | 31.3 mi | 34m |
| I 5 | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| North 1st Street | 1.6 mi | 3m |
| I 90 | 1 mi | 1m |
| Southwest Roxbury Street | 0.7 mi | 2m |
| WA 509 | 0.7 mi | 1m |
| South Michigan Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
— 107 mi, about 1h 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between White Center, WA and Yakima, WA.
1
Start on Southwest Roxbury Street
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Southwest Roxbury Street
2
Turn slight left onto Olson Place Southwest
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Olson Place Southwest
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
36 sec
Toward WA 509 North: Seattle
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Merge onto WA 509
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
WA 509
5
Continue on WA 99
0.4 mi
·
41 sec
·
1st Avenue South Bridge
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
Toward Michigan Street
Use the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto South Michigan Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
South Michigan Street
Use the straight lane.
8
Turn slight right onto South Bailey Street
279 ft
·
9 sec
·
South Bailey Street
Use the slight right / right lanes.
9
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward I 5, I 90
Use the left lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 5 North: Vancouver British Columbia
11
Merge onto I 5
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
I 5
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Exit 164A
Toward I 90 East, I 5 North: Dearborn Street, James Street, Madison Street, Spokane
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
Toward I 90 East: Spokane
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 90
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
I 90
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 90
107 mi
·
1 hr 59 min
·
Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit onto US 97
31 mi
·
34 min
·
US 97
Toward I 82 East, US 97 South: Yakima
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
314 ft
·
4 sec
Toward US 12 west, North 1st Street
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
19
Continue on WA 823
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
Selah Road
20
Continue on North 1st Street
1.6 mi
·
3 min
·
North 1st Street
21
Arrive at destination
South 1st Street
Trip Plan
Given the 2h 53m duration, starting your drive in White Center, WA, in the morning will give you ample daylight to reach Yakima, WA, without feeling rushed. You'll only need one stop along the way, so plan it strategically for a restroom break or to stretch your legs. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you approach the longest stretch on Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel, as services might be less frequent. The fuel cost is estimated at $31, so budget accordingly before you depart. This is a manageable one-day trip, so you have the flexibility to depart whenever is most convenient for you.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 74.2 miles from White Center, WA, or about 1h 29m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 107 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 33 miles or 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 74.2 miles or 1h 29m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 22m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Yakima, WA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving White Center, WA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from White Center, WA
This is one driving day of about 148.3 miles and 2h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from White Center, WA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel for about 107 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 74.2 mi from White Center, WA · 1h 29m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
74 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 74.2 miles from White Center, WA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 107 miles.
Arriving in Yakima, WA
The final approach into Yakima, WA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Yakima, WA.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.04 one way
$62.08 round trip
$5.32/gal
25.4 MPG avg
52 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.58 | $32.55 | $65.10 |
| premium | $5.77 | $33.68 | $67.35 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $32.74 | $65.49 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 51.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 44.5 | 0 | $15.57 | $7.12 |
| Efficient EV | 37.1 | 0 | $12.98 | $5.93 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 59.3 | 0 | $20.76 | $9.49 |
Gas CO2
52 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Yakima, WA
Morning in Yakima on Saturday
Local time
7:48 AM
PDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
51°F
North Bend, WA
74 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
10 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 53m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from White Center, WA to Yakima, WA covers 148.3 miles and takes about 2h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Mount Baker Ridge Tunnel, US 97, I 5. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 74.2 miles from White Center, WA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $31.04 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 148.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 3.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from White Center, WA to Yakima, WA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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